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May
12
For nearly a year now a friend (and bicycle engineer) and I had this idea to mount a tripod post onto a tricycle. The plan was try all sorts of experimental photography from the bike. This first set is a series of 20-30 second exposures of some of the streets in Trenton at night. Some of the light patterns remind me of what you might see on an EKG monitor. The wiggly light patterns make me think we are seeing the streets’ energy – captured on camera.
It’s early days yet, we have a lot more experimental photography to try. Riding the bike in a circle or figure eight pattern seemed to yield my favorite results, the plaza where we recorded these was the smoothest to ride on as well. We have a lot of video ideas to try – can’t wait to really explore this.
The tricycle and a few prints were on display in the art exhibition titled ‘Unchained – the Art of the Bicycle‘ at Artworks in Trenton, NJ. Special thanks to Wills Kinsley, the bike engineer and guest curator for this exhibition. Wills also run Social Bike Rides around the city – tours of public art, history and gardens. Look up Trenton Social, the restaurant and bar where the rides start and finish – sign up, ride on.
Jun
23
24 hours of art, music, and films is one insane idea. Art All Night is Trenton, NJ’s annual community arts festival. This year a reported 18,000+ people passed through the cavernous Roebling Wire Works – filled to the gills with art. To make this event happen there is a dedicated crew of volunteers and sponsors – who are all great.
This Art All Night was the fifth, and probably the best so far. In previous years I’ve pitched in here and there, but prefer to attend as a regular guy to experience it, rather than work it. Although I’d haul out the garbage if asked. Anyway, when I arrived with camera in tow I thought I’d take a few photos of people I know – with their eyes closed – since many of them would be staying up the entire 24 hours.
There’s something serene about a portrait with this intention. I was thinking of the French photographer Philippe Halsman and how he would ask his subjects to jump in the air – the subjects’ expressions he caught were delightful.
I didn’t get too far before I realized I was working and felt it best that I take a break. So the edit is rather skimpy – maybe I’ll do it again properly when I can control the environment somewhat.
Thanks Artworks – you inspired me again.
